Literary prowess on display

Tariq Ahmed Sheikh, widely recognized by his pen name Tariq Shabnam, stands as a luminary in the literary landscape of Kashmir. Hailing from the picturesque village of Ajas in Bandipora, Tariq Shabnam has made significant contributions to Urdu literature through his compelling short stories and thought-provoking essays. His works resonate deeply with the cultural heritage and social realities of Kashmir.

One of his recently published books, "Be Simt Qafile," a collection of 44 short, inspiring stories, marks a milestone in Urdu literature. Shabnam's style and diction are lovely, making the book a true masterpiece. The book begins with the captivating short story "Thanda Jehnum" (Cold Hell), setting the tone for the rest of the collection. In this story, he explores the power of truth, a recurring theme throughout his works.

Each story in the book, such as "Sarsoo ka Phool" (Mustard Flowers), "Naya Shaher" (New City), "Pardesi" (Stranger), "Sone ka Piyala" (Golden Cup), "Metha Zaher" (Sweet Poison), "Muhabat ke Rang" (Colors of Love), "Jangli Aadam" (Wild Human), and "Surukh Badal" (Red Clouds), is both interesting and readable. Most of his themes revolve around brotherhood, love, and social reforms. Tariq Shabnam laments the evils prevailing in our society and longs for social reform.

Tariq Shabnam has beautifully portrayed various aspects of life, making each story a delightful experience. His plot construction is unique, and he skillfully weaves intricate tales that captivate the reader's imagination. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters bring the stories to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the narratives. As the renowned short story writer Anton Chekhov once said, "Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass." Shabnam's storytelling echoes this sentiment, painting vivid pictures through his words.

The short stories highlight social reforms, peace, prosperity, and brotherhood. In the present age, we have lost the importance of blood relationships. We can't find the spirit of repentance and forgiveness, which are recurring themes in many stories of the book. Allah bestowed untold blessings to mankind, yet man makes bad use of Allah's bounties. In the technological age, we have lost ourselves and our true identities. In "Jangli Aadam," Tariq Shabnam artistically portrays how wild animals want to remain away from humans. One animal advises his newborn that man kills his fellow men out of selfish interests, urging them to keep away from humans. Shabnam speaks about love and sympathy. In the story "Jehlem ke Kinare," he delves into the history of Kashmir, constantly in search of peace and love, themes that permeate throughout his works.

One of the standout features of "Be Simt Qafile" is Shabnam's ability to convey deep emotions and life lessons through simple yet powerful storytelling. Each story has a distinct flavor, offering a glimpse into different facets of the human experience. Whether it's the poignancy of "Mehtha Zaher" or the nostalgia of "Pardesi," Shabnam's stories resonate on a personal level, making the book a memorable read. As Flannery O'Connor, another master of the short story, aptly put it, "The short story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way."

In the realm of Indian Urdu literature, Tariq Shabnam reminds us of legendary short story writers such as Saadat Hasan Manto, known for his unflinching portrayal of human nature, and Ismat Chughtai, whose bold narratives explored themes of female sexuality and social justice. Premchand, often hailed as the father of modern Urdu fiction, depicted rural life and the struggles of the common man, much like Shabnam's focus on social reform and brotherhood.

While "Be Simt Qafile" excels in many areas, it is not without its demerits. At times, the narratives can feel somewhat repetitive, with certain themes recurring across multiple stories. Additionally, some endings might appear predictable to readers familiar with Shabnam's style. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall quality of the stories and the pleasure derived from reading them overshadow any shortcomings.

The book's structure allows readers to pick it up at any point and dive into a new story, making it a perfect companion for those who enjoy short, impactful reads. Shabnam's mastery in crafting engaging and thought-provoking tales ensures that readers will find joy and satisfaction with each story. Echoing the sentiments of Raymond Carver, who believed that "a short story should be like a quick kiss in the dark from a stranger," Shabnam's tales are brief yet leave a lasting impression.

To sum up, "Be Simt Qafile" is a delightful collection of short stories that beautifully captures the essence of human emotions and experiences. Tariq Shabnam's literary prowess shines through in this collection, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf. His lovely style and unique plot construction make the book a joy to read, despite a few minor demerits. For those who appreciate well-crafted short stories, "Be Simt Qafile" is a must-read.

The author is a regular GK contributor